The Hidden Cost of Fast Fashion
, 2 min reading time
Fast fashion is cheap for your wallet but costly for the earth. Choosing secondhand is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to make a difference. Together, we can keep clothing in circulation and protect the wild spaces we love to explore.
The Hidden Cost of Fast Fashion — and Why Secondhand is the Better Choice
Fast fashion might feel convenient, but it comes at a huge cost to the planet. Behind every $10 t-shirt or $25 jacket are hidden environmental impacts that most shoppers never see. At Tutchgrass, we believe the future of clothing isn’t about buying more — it’s about buying smarter.
The Damage Caused by Fast Fashion
1. Enormous Waste
Each year, millions of tons of clothing are produced, sold, and quickly thrown away. In the U.S. alone, more than 11 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills annually. Many garments are worn only a handful of times before being discarded.
2. Water Consumption
It takes over 700 gallons of water to make a single cotton shirt, and thousands more for a pair of jeans. Multiply that by the billions of items produced each year, and the water footprint of fast fashion is staggering.
3. Pollution and Chemicals
Dyes and textile production processes release toxic chemicals into rivers and soil. Polyester clothing sheds microplastics every time it’s washed, polluting oceans and entering the food chain.
4. Carbon Emissions
The fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of global carbon emissions—more than all international flights and shipping combined. Cheap, disposable clothing has a massive transportation and production footprint.
Why Buying Secondhand is the Smarter Choice
1. Extends the Life of Clothing
Every pre-loved jacket or hoodie you buy keeps one more item out of the landfill. Instead of being tossed aside, it continues to serve its purpose for years.
2. Saves Resources
Buying secondhand means no new water, chemicals, or energy are needed to produce that garment. It’s recycling in its most practical form.
3. Affordable Access to Quality
Brands like Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and The North Face design clothing built to last. Buying secondhand lets you enjoy premium gear without the premium price tag.
4. Unique Style
Secondhand isn’t about settling for leftovers—it’s about finding pieces with history, character, and individuality. Vintage outdoor gear often features rare tags and designs you won’t see in stores today.
The Tutchgrass Way
At Tutchgrass, we’re building more than a brand—we’re building a movement. By combining original gorpcore-inspired designs with carefully curated pre-loved finds, we’re giving clothing a second life while fighting back against the waste of fast fashion.
Every purchase from our shop is a choice to invest in sustainability, individuality, and a healthier planet.